New search reveals no clues into missing St. Charles man

Stephanie McNeil on Saturday placed "missing" fliers on cars in a Wheaton parking lot. Her brother, St. Charles resident John Spira, was last seen Feb. 23, 2007, at Universal Cable Construction near West Chicago.

Stephanie McNeil had hoped that Saturday's search of Belleau Woods Forest Preserve in Wheaton would provide some clues into the disappearance of her brother, St. Charles resident John Spira, who went missing more than six years ago.

The search came up empty.

"It would have been nice to find something," McNeil said. "I had hope. But I'm glad we were out doing this."

Spira, 45, was seen last Feb. 23, 2007, at Universal Cable Construction near West Chicago. Spira co-owned the company.

The case has gathered worldwide attention. Spira's disappearance was featured in 2010 as part of the Investigation Discovery cable show, “Disappeared.”

According to the DuPage County Sheriff's Office, Spira was last seen by his business partner, Dave Stubben, at the Universal Cable Construction business. Belleau Woods is located near Stubben's home.

"I feel he knows something," McNeil said.

Stubben could not be reached for comment Saturday. McNeil also placed "missing" fliers on cars in a parking lot near the woods.

Among those helping with the search Saturday was Susan Olsen, whose son, Bradley Olsen, 26, of Maple Park, was last seen about 2 a.m. Jan. 20, 2007, at Bar One in DeKalb. DeKalb police have said he arrived at the bar with some friends late Jan. 19.

Susan Olsen has befriended McNeil since the disappearance of Spira.

"I've tried to make it to all of John's searches," she said. "You never know what you will find on a search - a piece of clothing, a shoe, a cell phone. Those all are things you know to look for."

Olsen said the DeKalb Police Department is currently investigating some "credible leads" into the disapperance of her son.

Also helping in the search was Maple Park Village President Kathy Curtis, who is friends with the Olsen family. Curtis took note that Spira disappeared about a month after Bradley Olsen did.

"It was so close to when Brad left us," Curtis said.

Those searching came across a suspicious looking mound of dirt, which was then dug up by DuPage County Forest Preserve staff. However, the mound of dirt turned out to be just that.